Imaginary threat
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.
About
The imaginary threat is a rhetorical device used in fearmongery, hatemongery, and demonization to create a target against which strong negative emotions can be directed, building a unity of cause among those who can be convinced of the threat.
This is a technique characteristic of political right ideology, where the accumulation of power is valued over honesty.
Examples
Imaginary threats used widely in Euro-centric cultures have included:
- gay people (anti-gay)
- transgender people (transmisia)
- Muslims
- atheists
- terrorists
- socialism and communism
- psychoactive drugs
- black people
- nonwhite immigrants